President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are both safe following a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.
The president, the first lady, pregnant White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and other officials were rushed out of the ballroom at the Washington Hilton hotel when gunfire erupted on Saturday night.
A Secret Service agent was shot during the exchange and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that a 31-year-old California resident was taken into custody after rushing a security checkpoint.
During a White House press conference, Trump said he owed a “debt of gratitude” to law enforcement and the Secret Service for their rapid response.
“That was very unexpected but incredibly acted upon by the Secret Service and law enforcement,” Trump told reporters. “This was an event dedicated to freedom of speech, and in a certain way it did unify us.”
The Washington Hilton is the same venue where President Ronald Reagan and three others were shot in 1981 by John Hinckley Jr.
What Happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner?
The Secret Service confirmed that gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and agents near the main security checkpoint at the hotel.
Trump, Melania, and senior officials — including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance — were evacuated immediately.
Video released by the White House reportedly showed the suspect rushing past agents before being subdued and arrested.
“A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service,” Trump said.
Who Is the Suspect?
Officials confirmed that a 31-year-old California man was arrested after the incident.
His motive and medical condition have not yet been released.
He has been charged with two firearm-related offenses and one count of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said more charges could follow as the investigation continues.
Trump later referred to the suspect as “a very sick person.”
Was Anyone Injured?
Trump confirmed that one Secret Service agent was struck during the confrontation.
According to officials, the bullet hit the agent’s protective vest, preventing more serious injury.
“He was saved by the fact that he was wearing a very good bulletproof vest,” Trump said. “The vest did the job.”
Trump added that he had spoken with the agent, who was in good spirits.
Did the Dinner Continue?
Trump initially said he hoped the event would continue.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job,” he wrote. “The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we let the show go on.”
However, later in the evening, White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang announced the dinner would be postponed and rescheduled within 30 days.
She told attendees that law enforcement had requested everyone leave the premises and confirmed that all senior officials were safe.
What Else Did Trump Say?
Speaking later at the White House, Trump said he was “honored” to be a target, referencing previous attempts on his life in recent years.
He also described Melania’s reaction during the chaos.
“I heard a loud noise and thought it was a tray falling,” Trump said. “Melania knew immediately something was wrong. She said, ‘That’s a bad noise.’ Then we were whisked away. It happened in seconds.”
Authorities continue investigating the motive and full sequence of events.
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